THRIFT SHOP NEWS
A couple of months ago,
Jane our Thrift Shop Manager was approached by A Terry Magro, of the
Michael Magro Foundation. The foundation was established in January
2005. Terry’s first son, 12 years old, passed away shortly after
being diagnosed with A.L.L. (Leukemia).
Jane was asked if she would
create gift baskets for this non-profit foundation’s evening of
“Tasting and Giving.” Jane accepted immediately! They supplied Jane
with gift certificates, wine etc., but not enough to make baskets with
Jane’s touch. Each basket had to have a theme! The hunt was on!
Soon the help of Josephine Petruzzello, Mary Arveri and myself were
enlisted. The telephone would ring, and if you heard Jane’s voice you
knew you’d be asked for specifics. We went through our closets of
gifts accumulated over time. If we didn’t have it, it would
miraculously arrive at our Thrift Shop back door. We knew we also had
a higher spirit and Michael involved.
In the meantime, life went
on visiting our sister volunteers in the hospital and assisted living
homes. Jane became a grandma, helped bring baby home and helped new
mom and dad, work all day and still had the energy to put together 21
gift baskets.
The task completed, Terry
Magro presented us with four tickets to the Gala Event on September 20th
at the Woodlands Country Club in Oyster Bay! Dressed to the “nines”
the four of us went off to rub elbows with the rich and famous! Long
Island chefs, wineries and local merchants displayed and served their very
best, and right alongside all these notables were raffle baskets and
arrangements tagged by Jane Parker and staff at Ss. Cyril and
Methodius Thrift Shop! There were silent and live auctions. One of
our baskets brought in $700. Over and over we were told how happy we
made this family. The proceeds go to help families of children
diagnosed with cancer through the
Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop
Hospital and High School scholarship programs in the Hicksville
Schools. Everyone applauded us! We may not have won any raffles, but
what we did win was priceless, knowing we helped make this cause a
success.
Our mission is very similar
to their mission ~ Allowing people to smile, for just a moment and
enjoy the small gift we can provide is a step toward healing.
Madelyn Sukiel, Thrift Shop Volunteer
Happy Holidays ~ Stop in and say Hi!
Always,
Jane